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All you need to know about all theatres in Kathmandu

Munmun mostly follows a tragic and serious story yet has a comical side. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale
Mandala is one of the most happening places among the theatres in Kathmandu. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale

Of late, the theatres in Kathmandu are in a vibrant mode. One after another, they are continuously staging new plays. As such, footfall is also increasing. These theatres are not just limited to staging plays but they also organise workshops, classes and festivals.

To let you know more about the theatres in Kathmandu, we have a list of theatres based in Kathmandu and have included the works they have been doing. Similarly, if you are in Kathmandu and want to explore the vibrancy in different theatres over here, this article might be helpful for you.

Here is the list of 10 theatres in Kathmandu that you must visit.  

Aarohan Gurukul 

Some of the recent works of Aarohan Gurukul are Marx Pharkie and Gachhami.  
Some of the recent works of Aarohan Gurukul are Marx Pharkie and Gachhami.  

Aarohan Gurukul is one of the oldest theatres in Kathmandu, established in 2003. Earlier, it was located in Purano Baneshwor, but, currently, it does not have its own space. The theatre has been running its plays at the Kunja Theatre, Kathmandu. Gurukul has produced some of the finest actors in the Nepali film industry such as Bipin Karki, Saugat Malla and Sarita Giri. Some of the recent works of Aarohan Gurukul are Marx Pharkie and Gachhami.  

Shilpee Theatre 

A scene from Bimoksha. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale
A scene from Bimoksha that was recently staged in Shilpee Theatre. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale

Established in 2006, Shilpee Theatre located in Battisputali is one of the theatres in Kathmandu that have regular shows. The theatre also has its own cafe. Currently, the Shilpee Theatre Group is also building an art centre in Sundarharaicha, Morang, eastern Nepal. Some of the plays that have been recently staged at the Shilpee Theatre are Bimoksha, Gyanko Chihan and Sana Sana Sapana. 

Mandala 

Despite the tragic story, fans of Nepali theatre can be happy about the performance of Euta Sapanako Awasan at Mandala.Photo: Shankar Giri
Some of the latest works Mandala has staged are Euta Sapanako Awasan, Rogan, Khuwalung, Munmun and Galat Lagchha Malai Mero Deshko Itihas. Photo: Shankar Giri

Mandala Theatre was established in 2008. The theatre was earlier located in Anamnagar, but in 2022, it shifted to Thapagaun. The new building is more advanced and spacious than the previous one. Some of the latest works Mandala has staged are Euta Sapanako Awasan, Rogan, Khuwalung, Munmun and Galat Lagchha Malai Mero Deshko Itihas. This theatre also organises international theatre festivals known as Nepal International Theatre Festival. In 2022, it completed the second edition of the festival. 

Some of the founders of the theatre are Dayahang Rai, Srijana Limbu, Rajan Khatiwada and Bijaya Baral.  

Theatre Mall  

The theatre also builds confidence in the children and teaches teamwork and empathy.  Children in the theatre

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Theatre Mall stands out among the theatres in Kathmandu for its focus on children. 

Theatre Mall was established in 2014. Previously, the theatre was located in Kathmandu Mall, Sundhara Kathmandu. After a closure of some years, it shifted to Kirtipur later. Alongside staging plays, Theatre Mall also runs a drama class dedicated to children. It has been organising those classes on a regular basis in schools to promote the theatre culture among the schools.

Kunja Natak Ghar

The use of smoke on the stage has made the Gachhami play vibrant, creating a spiritual ambience.
A scene from Gachhami that was staged at Kunja Natak Ghar.

Kunja Natak Ghar is located in Thapagaun. The theatre runs under the management of Lekhan Kunj, known as Ghost Writing Nepal, an institution that offers ghostwriting services in Nepal. Some of the plays staged in Kunja Theatre are Tantra and Three Sisters.

Actors’ Studio

Despite some room for improvement, Deurali Daandi: The Last Chapter of Ghatu is worth watching.
Some of the plays staged at Actors’ Studio are Katha Kasturi and Deurali Daandi.  

Actors’ Studio primarily runs classes in performing arts, but as one of the operational theatres in Kathmandu, it also produces plays, which are staged at its space located in Pingalasthan. Some of the plays staged at Actors’ Studio are Katha Kasturi and Deurali Daandi.  

Kausi 

Aiya! Maya is an experimental play that mainly focuses on body movements and a plethora of symbols rather than dialogues.  Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale
Actors of Aiya! Maya, which was staged in Kausi, caught in action.  Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale

Located in Teku, Kausi Theatre is a 130-seat black box theatre, which is open for rentals, collaborations and artistic junctions. Some of the recent works featured by Kausi are God of Carnage, Aiya! Maya and Dhumdhamko Ghumgham. 

Shailee Theater  

Shailee Theatre is situated in Ratopul. This theatre annually organises the National Children’s Theatre Festival. In January this year, it completed the 14th edition of the festival. Maujang Babusahebko Coat is its latest work that was staged.

Purano Ghar 

An Inspector Calls revolves around the story of a young girl, who died of suicide and the Malla family has some sort of connection with her. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale
An Inspector Calls, staged in Purano Ghar, revolves around the story of a young girl, who died of suicide and the Malla family has some sort of connection with her. Photo: Chandra Bahadur Ale

Purano Ghar, in contrast to its name, is one of the youngest theatres in Kathmandu established in 2017. Actor and director Sulakhchhyan Bharati is its creative director while actress and director Sirjana Adhikari is its managing director. Some of the plays of Purano Ghar are An Inspector Calls, Khat and Lattiko Chora.

Sarwanam 

By its name, Sarwanam in fact is a purano ghar (the old house) as the institution was established in 1982. However, the group founded by veteran Ashesh Malla was more focused on street drama until it opened its theatre house in Kalikasthan the capital in around 2010. The theatre is not actively staging plays of late.

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